Acclaimed Jamaican singjay, Mr. Vegas is in grieving today after losing his mother to a stroke on Monday evening at the age of 82.

Vegas, whose real name is Clifford Smith, made the shock announcement on his official Facebook page Monday night. According to the entertainer, his mother, Lucile Ellis Maitland, had suffered the stroke Monday morning and was admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies where she later died.

He wrote on his page shortly after finding out the news, “Fans, I would like to thank you all for your prayers for my mom, unfortunately she died moments ago. I ask that you continue to pray for my family and I as we mourn our beloved mother. I also thank you in advance for privacy during this very difficult time. R.I.P. Mama Lucille…love you forever!!

Yesterday, he added, "I ask that you continue to pray for my family and I, as we mourn our beloved mother. I also thank you in advance for privacy during this very difficult time. RIP Mama Lucille...Love you forever!!"

Entertainers and fans alike have issued condolences to the artist, who says he has been rocked by this sudden tragedy. Vegas says he will make funeral arrangements for his mother in the coming weeks and that this tragedy has made him focus more on family. He also posted his 2009 song, Mamma Don’t Cry on his Facebook page, which he had dedicated to his mother.

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